Climate change: how extreme weather is affecting our world
A worrying report from the UN has declared 2023 the worst year in recorded history for the climate. Every major climate record was smashed in the worst possible way, and 2024 may be even worse, the UN warned. The UN Weather Agency's revealed that the highest temperatures ever previously recorded (in 174 years of record-keeping) were surpassed by a wide margin. Over 90% of the world's seas experienced heatwave conditions in 2023, also reaching the highest temperatures on record. "What we witnessed in 2023, especially with the unprecedented ocean warmth, glacier retreat and Antarctic sea ice loss, is cause for particular concern," said Celeste Saulo, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). "The WMO community is sounding the Red Alert to the world." As the effects of climate change continue to impact our planet, people all over the world have been experiencing severe weather change, which has destroyed homes and claimed many lives. From severe floods to record-breaking heat waves, the link between climate change and worsening weather is undeniable. Check out the following gallery to read up on some of the most significant weather incidents in recent years.
2024-01-16T23:07:27Z
Highway to hell: Spooky stories set along Route 66
For many people, a road trip down the Mother Road, the United States' iconic Route 66, is a dream vacation. From Illinois to California, the rolling and ever-changing landscapes, the small towns and big cities along the way, and the simple joy of cruising down one of the longest roads in the world make for a perfect adventure. Unfortunately, you can get more than just your kicks on Route 66. The iconic highway is notoriously haunted, and weaves through some pretty supernaturally shady areas. For some, that might make the trip even more enticing, but for others, it might be a dealbreaker. Whichever way you're leaning, read on to discover some of the creepiest and spookiest stories about Route 66.
2023-12-19T18:09:36Z
Celebrating the history of Haitian heritage
The story of Haiti, the island nation occupying the western side of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, is a story of resistance, revolt, and revolution. Shook in recent decades by political turmoil and natural disasters, Haiti and its people are no strangers to the fight against oppression and tribulation. It was the Haitian Revolution that began in 1791 that marked one of the greatest victories in the history of mankind: it was the only successful revolt of enslaved peoples in the world, and led to the establishment of the world's first free, black-led republic in the colonial world. A rich history of strength and perseverance, Haiti's unique creole culture is a diverse mixture of Afro-Caribbean language, spirituality, cuisine, and personality. Haitian heritage is one of the richest in the world, and the story of those who share it is eye-opening, inspiring, and essential if the rest of the world is to understand the true meanings of freedom and liberation. Ready? Celebrate Haitian heritage by reading on to learn the story of Haiti.
2024-05-20T12:16:54Z
Natural wonders destroyed by tourists
Our planet is full of amazing places that many of us dream of visiting one day. Places that we would only be exposed to through a National Geographic documentary are now available at the distance of a click. Do you want to know where the most spectacular and secluded places on Earth are located? All you need is access to the Internet and you’re good to go. It doesn’t take much to come up with a shortlist of beautiful distant destinations for your next vacation. Traveling to remote locations has never been easier. Lower air travel fares and a wider network of local transportation has made once remote places easily accessible. Your average folks are now following the trail of explorers and scientists alike and delving deep into the wilderness. Tourism can be extremely beneficial for many countries’ economies and an important source of income for many people around the world, but if not properly controlled, it can have disastrous consequences. Despite the rise of sustainable tourism, many places in the world are simply not prepared for the influx of people they’re getting, nor is the ecosystem in many of those places. From remote natural parks to uninhabited islands, tourists are getting everywhere, and sometimes their footprint causes irreversible damage. It’s inevitable that, as more people travel, more often, and to more locations than ever before, accidents will happen. How many of us have been to beautiful locations, away from it all, only to find traces of human presence, from bottles to cigarette butts. While this is far from being an enjoyable experience, the truth is that it can get worse—a lot worse. From unfortunate accidents, to downright vandalism, in this gallery you’ll find many cases where stupidity outweighed curiosity. While you might not completely lose faith in humanity, these examples will at least make you question the whole human conscience and our relationship with the planet. Click through and get to know some of planet’s most amazing places that have been ruined by tourists.
2024-02-22T16:45:15Z